Down syndrome

American  

Or Down's syndrome

noun

Pathology.

1. a genetic disorder, associated with the presence of an extra chromosome 21, characterized by mild to severe mental impairment, weak muscle tone, shorter stature, and a flattened facial profile.

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Sensitive Note

Down syndrome (or Down's syndrome ) has replaced earlier terms, such as mongolism to refer to the disease and Mongoloid or Mongol to refer to the affected person, all of which are now considered offensive.

Etymology

Origin of Down syndrome

First recorded in 1960–65; after John L. H. Down (1828–96), British physician

Example Sentences

Later pregnancies have a higher risk of complications such as miscarriage, high blood pressure and chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

From Los Angeles Times

What will become of our youngest students with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities without the backing of skilled and compassionate educators at the government's highest levels?

From Salon

Amelia, who has Down syndrome, receives access to a program that helps participants learn how to socialize with others.

From Los Angeles Times

Typically, results are either normal, indicating the fetus doesn’t have certain chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome, or abnormal, indicating it likely does.

From Science Magazine

During the day she worked as an aide for a girl with Down syndrome, and at night she was a barista at Dutch Bros., her father said.

From Los Angeles Times